Gary has been a mainstay in the team since joining the club in 2012, being the skipper during that time.

Brown asked to be transfer-listed just after the start of pre-season training for family reasons – his wife gave birth to their second child last month -- and there has been plenty of interest in the popular centre half.

Shildon, where Brown has already had one spell, finally agreed a fee with Quakers this afternoon, and he will probably line up for Shildon in the Northern League against Newcastle Benfield on Saturday.

“Browny” will always be a part of the club’s folklore because of his whole-hearted commitment and willingness to mix with the fans ever since he arrived at the club as one of Martin Gray’s first signings back in the summer of 2012 before the Northern League season kicked off.

A typical example of his commitment to the club was in last season’s frustrating goalless draw at Lancaster City.

In the closing minutes, keeper Peter Jameson was red carded for a professional foul, so Brown quickly grabbed the keeper’s jersey and went in goal, and pulled off a terrific diving save from the free kick.

Quakers went up the other end, forced a corner, and Brown almost got his head to the ball.

There were unforgettable scenes when Gary lifted the Northern League title in 2013 and EvoStik play off winners’ trophy last May.

He is joining a very good club in the Northern League and the Board of Directors on behalf of the entire fan-base thank Gary for his leadership at the club during this time, we wish him every success in the future.

[caption id="attachment_12796" align="alignnone" width="300"] Gary Brown in action at Whitby last Saturday[/caption]